The Man (1972): cast, story & where to watch
1972 · Film · ★ 7
Released in 1972, The Man is a drama film directed by Joseph Sargent, running about 93 minutes. “It took an accident to make this man President of the United States. What they do to him now won't be an accident.” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. When the President and Speaker of the House are killed in a building collapse, and the Vice-President declines the office due to age and ill-health, Senate President pro tempore Douglas Dilman (James Earl Jones) suddenly becomes the first black man to occupy the Oval Office. The events from that day to the next election when he must decide if he will actually run challenge his skills as a politician and leader.
Who’s in it. The Man stars James Earl Jones as Douglass Dilman, Martin Balsam as Jim Talley, Burgess Meredith as Senator Watson and Lew Ayres as Noah Calvin, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 7.0/10, The Man has been warmly received by audiences.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Man page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Man tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Man (1972)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Man change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Man worth watching?
- The Man holds an audience score of 7.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama. Most viewers rate it highly.
- Who stars in The Man?
- The Man stars James Earl Jones, Martin Balsam, Burgess Meredith, Lew Ayres and William Windom.
- When was The Man released?
- The Man was released in 1972, with a runtime of about 93 minutes.